Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
VERSE
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Song of Solomon 7:2
Verse 2. Thy navel is like a round goblet - This may also refer to some ornamental dress about the loins. These suppositions are rendered very probable from hundreds of the best finished and highly decorated drawings of Asiatic ladies in my own collection, where every thing appears in the drawings, as in nature. A heap of wheat set about with lilies. - This is another instance of the same kind. The richly embroidered dresses in the above drawings may amply illustrate this also. Ainsworth supposes the metaphor is taken from a pregnant woman; the child in the womb being nourished by means of the umbilical cord or navel string, till it is brought into the world. After which it is fed by means of the mother's breasts, which are immediately mentioned. Possibly the whole may allude to the bride's pregnancy.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 2. Thy navel [is like] a round goblet , etc.] According to some, not the navel itself is meant; but a covering of it, a jewel or plate of gold in the shape of it; and because the word for “round”, in the Chaldee language, signifies the “moon”, and so Ben Melech interprets it, some have thought of the “round tire like the moon”, ( Isaiah 3:18); though that was rather an ornament about the neck. Bishop Patrick is of opinion that it refers to “the clothing of wrought gold”, ( Psalm 45:13); which had, on the part that covered the belly, a raised embossed work, resembling a heap or sheaves of wheat; about which was an embroidery of curious flowers, particularly lilies; and, in the midst of the whole, a fountain or conduit, running with several sorts of liquor, into a great bowl or basin: and Fortunatus Scacchus interprets it of a garment, covering this part, embroidered with lilies. All which may represent the beautiful robe of Christ’s righteousness the church is adorned with. But rather the part itself is meant, and designs the ministers of the Gospel; who, in the administration of the word and ordinances, are that to the church as the navel is to a human body; that is in an eminent part of it, is the strength of the intestines, conduces much to the health of the body, and by which the child in the womb is supposed to receive its nourishment: ministers are set in the highest place in the church; are strong in themselves, through the grace and power of Christ and the means of strengthening others; and of keeping the church a good plight and healthful state, by the wholesome words and sound doctrines they preach; and also of nourishing souls in embryo, and when new born, with the sincere milk of the word: and as the navel is said to be like a “round goblet”, cup, bowl, or basin, this aptly describes that part; and may express the perfection of Gospel ministers, their gifts and grace, not in an absolute, but comparative sense, the round or circular form being reckoned the most perfect; and also the workmanship bestowed on them, the gifts and grace of the Spirit, a round goblet being turned and formed by some curious artist; and likewise their capacity to hold and retain Gospel truths. And they are compared, not to an empty one, but to one [which] wanteth not liquor ; meaning the large and never failing supplies of gifts and grace from Christ; so that they never want the liquor, the oil and wine of Gospel truths, to communicate to others, ( Zechariah 4:12). The word used signifies a “mixture”, or a “mixed liquor” f425 , as of wine and milk, ( Song of Solomon 5:1); or rather of wine and water, much used in the eastern countries; so the wine of Sharon used to be mixed, two parts water and one wine f426 : and this designs, not a mixture of divine truths and human doctrines, which ought not to be made; but the variety of Gospel truths ministers deliver to others, and that in a manner they are most capable of receiving them. Some render the words as a wish, “let there not want”, etc. and so they declare the tender concern of Christ, that his church might have a continual supply in the ministry of the word; thy belly [is like] a heap of wheat ; which denotes the fruitfulness of the church in bringing souls to Christ, comparable to a pregnant woman; and whose fruit, young converts born in her, are compared to “a heap of wheat” for their number, choiceness, and solidity, being able to bear the fan of persecution: it was usual with the Jews to scatter wheat on the heads of married persons at their weddings, three times, saying, “increase and multiply” f428 ; (see Isaiah 66:8 Matthew 3:12). This heap of wheat is said to be “set about”, or “hedged, with lilies” f429 ; which suggests, that it was not a heap of wheat on the corn floor which is meant, but a field of standing wheat, enclosed and fenced, not with thorns, but lilies; and these lilies may signify grown saints, who are often compared to lilies in this book, by whom young converts are encompassed and defended; or the beauties of holiness, in which they appear as soon as born again, ( <19B003> Psalm 110:3).
Matthew Henry Commentary
The graces of the church. (Song 7:1-9) The delight of the church in Christ. (Song 7:10-13)
Song 7:1-9 The similitudes here are different from what they wer before, and in the original refer to glorious and splendid clothing Such honour have all his saints; and having put on Christ, they ar distinguished by their beautiful and glorious apparel. They adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things. Consistent believer honour Christ, recommend the gospel, and convince and awaken sinners The church resembles the stately and spreading palm; while her love for Christ, and the obedience resulting therefrom, are precious fruit of the true Vine. The King is held in the galleries. Christ takes deligh in the assemblies and ordinances of his people; and admires the frui of his grace in them. When applied to the church and to each faithfu Christian, all this denotes that beauty of holiness, in which the shall be presented to their heavenly Bridegroom.
Song 7:10-13 The church, the believing soul, triumphs in its relatio to Christ, and interest in him. She humbly desires communion with him Let us walk together, that I may receive counsel, instruction, an comfort from thee; and may make known my wants and my grievances to thee, with freedom, and without interruption. Communion with Christ i what all that are made holy earnestly breathe after. And those wh would converse with Christ, must go forth from the world. Wherever we are, we may keep up communion with God. Nor should we go where we cannot in faith ask him to go with us. Those who would go abroad with Christ, must begin early in the morning of their days; must begin ever day with him, seek him early, seek him diligently. A gracious soul can reconcile itself to the poorest places, if it may have communion with God in them; but the most delightful fields will not satisfy, unles the Beloved is there. Let us not think to be satisfied with any earthl object. Our own souls are our vineyards; they should be planted with useful trees. We should often search whether we are fruitful in righteousness. Christ's presence will make the vine flourish, and the tender grapes appear, as the returning sun revives the gardens. If we can appeal to him, Thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee; if his Spirit witness with our spirit, that our souls prosper, it is enough. And we must beg of him to search and try us, to discover u to ourselves. The fruits and exercises of graces are pleasant to the Lord Jesus. These must be laid up, and always ready; that by ou bringing forth much fruit, he may be glorified. It is all from him therefore it is fit it should be all for him __________________________________________________________________
Original Hebrew
שׁררך 8326 אגן 101 הסהר 5469 אל 408 יחסר 2637 המזג 4197 בטנך 990 ערמת 6194 חטים 2406 סוגה 5473 בשׁושׁנים׃ 7799
CHAPTERS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
VERSES: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
PARALLEL VERSE BIBLE
